Spring allergy season is in full swing and that means that many of us will be suffering through sneezy, sniffy, itchy misery for the next few weeks and months. It’s easy to overlook seasonal allergies as a minor nuisance, but severe symptoms can be debilitating. Allergy sufferers may struggle to maintain productivity at work and need more time off for medical appointments. But fortunately, there are some proactive steps you can take to reduce allergens in your space and spend less time at work sneezing and sniffing.
How to reduce allergy symptoms at work
- Change your HVAC filters & maximize airflow. Talk to your cleaning staff or HVAC specialist about upgrading your filters to reduce the levels of dust, pollen, pet dander and mold spores in your building. You can also move furniture & clutter away from your vents to increase airflow. Instead of opening windows (which allow pollen to drift indoors), set your HVAC to run in fan mode. This will keep air circulating through your building, even when you’re not running the heat or A.C. Proper ventilation and air circulation can also help prevent diseases like influenza and Covid-19 from spreading.
- Switch to non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products. Seasonal allergens aren’t the only problem! Allergy symptoms can be triggered by heavily fragranced products like air fresheners or irritating fumes from cleaning chemicals. Ask your janitorial team to use green, non-toxic cleaning products.
- Be mindful of pet allergies at work. Many offices are adopting pet-friendly policies, but animal dander can be a serious allergy trigger. Using portable HEPA air purifiers, cleaning carpets and upholstery frequently and establishing pet-free zones in your office will help keep everyone on your staff healthy and happy.
- Try dehumidifiers for damp areas. Mold spores are a common allergy trigger and Portland’s damp, cool spring weather is the ideal growing environment for mold. If moisture is a problem in your building, dehumidifiers may be helpful.
Spring deep cleaning task: high dusting
If you’ve been working with a good commercial cleaning company, you’re probably already in a good routine of dusting and wiping down eye-level surfaces. But what about that window ledge in your stairwell? When was the last time they cleaned the crown molding or the ceiling fan? Dust and other allergens can build up in these areas and trigger allergy symptoms.
High dusting isn’t something you need to do every day, but you should definitely schedule a special service for these areas at least once per year (ideally once per quarter!).
Ready to clean for better health? Schedule your high dusting service!
Fact: your windows have a pollen allergy too
Pollen isn’t just a human health concern – it can also build up on exterior windows and eventually cause etching and permanent damage to the glass. Water runoff, mineral leaching, dust and exhaust can also take a toll on your windows. Regular cleanings extend the lifespan of your windows and maximize the natural light in your building.
Ready to book your window cleaning service? Schedule now!
A healthy, allergy-free workplace starts with better cleaning!
Cleansolution offers a full range of commercial cleaning services that help reduce allergy symptoms at work and support your team’s overall health and wellness. We also provide free consultations and help you problem-solve specific issues related to the care and maintenance of your building. Schedule a free video consultation with us today to get started!